Chris Davies confirms Birmingham City in talks to finalise 'ideal' Sunderland transfer

Chris Davies has admitted Birmingham City are working behind the scenes to turn Patrick Roberts’ loan transfer from Sunderland permanent.

Roberts has become increasingly popular at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park as his loan spell has progressed, scoring three goals and contributing four assists in 22 Championship games so far. It hasn’t been the best season for Blues but Roberts’ performances have been a silver lining.

They say never fall in love with a loan player but Bluenoses cannot be blamed for feeling that way about Roberts. The 28-year-old is a likeable character and he has made a terrific impact, especially recently. Roberts has scored one and assisted two in his last two Championship outings, proving his worth.

Patrick Roberts could join Birmingham permanently

Many Bluenoses have been calling for Roberts to join for the long term and they could be about to get their wish as Davies has revealed talks are ongoing with Sunderland. It awaits to be seen what sort of fee Birmingham would have to fork out, but discussions are underway.

“We are looking at that,” Davies confirmed to Birmingham Live. “I know those conversations are taking place and we are hopeful, but there are a few parts of that that have to work. That would be ideal.”

Roberts signing permanently wouldn’t only be a huge boost given the quality of player Blues would be acquiring, but also handy as it would open up a loan spot. Roberts is currently one of four loan players Birmingham have on the books and Championship clubs are allowed to name five per matchday squad.

Birmingham on the verge of two other deals

There could be a flurry of further transfer activity this week as Birmingham are reportedly close to completing the signings of two other attackers, in addition to Roberts.

If a recent report from The Brighton Base is to be believed, Blues are closing in on the signing of Ibrahim Osman on a six-month loan deal. Brighton & Hove Albion are said to be ready to cancel Osman’s loan at Auxerre to send him to Birmingham instead.

Osman, who joined Brighton for around £16 million from Danish club Nordsjaelland, can play on either flank or as a centre-forward. The 21-year-old is yet to make a senior appearance for Brighton but he has had loan spells at Feyenoord and Auxerre to gradually progress. He would become the third loanee from the Seagulls this season, after James Beadle and Eiran Cashin.

Meanwhile, Birmingham have reportedly struck a breakthrough in negotiations to sign promising youngster August Priske. It’s claimed by Danish publication Tipsbladet that Blues have agreed a €7 million (£6m) deal to bring Priske, a 6ft 4in striker, to St Andrew’s. There could be a major development soon as Priske is apparently on his way to England to discuss personal terms.

Priske, last season’s top scorer in the Swedish Allsvenskan with 18 goals in 27 appearances, has attracted widespread interest from across Europe. The 21-year-old, a six-time current Denmark Under-21 international, has been linked with the likes of Red Bull Salzburg, Besiktas and LOSC Lille.